Equity planning and community economic development : the case of Côte des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce

Abstract

The developed world has witnessed high levels of economic growth, however, the benefits of this growth have not been felt evenly across communities and nations. Moreover, despite the efforts of locally based community organisations, marginalised communities remain unable to access many mainstream social and economic resources. This thesis links the Equity Planning Model with Community Economic Development (CED) as a way for urban planners and CED practitioners to better meet the needs of marginalised groups and communities. This thesis provides an analysis of the district that identifies marginalised communities according to social and economic factors, within the district of Côte des Neiges-Notre Dame de Grâce in Montreal, and provides an indication of the residents socio-economic needs and goals. From this, a framework for an economic development plan is articulated that uses small businesses for community development. This framework (1) identifies the marginal communities in the district, (2) identifies three development goals, and (3) provides recommendations, based on these goals, for the three small business start-up organisations in the district. The methods used in this thesis demonstrate how, by specifically identifying the needs of marginalised groups, economic development plans can ensure that such groups gain access to social and economic opportunities.